15 September 2009
Free course for men with diabetes and their carers to take place in Batley
NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council have teamed up to invite men with diabetes and unpaid carers, to join a FREE ‘Expert Patients Programme’ 9 week course at the Al Hikmah Centre, Batley starting on Tuesday 29 September at 1pm and then every Thursday afternoon until Tuesday 24th November, 2009.
The course, which will be delivered in Urdu, provides tried and tested skills which have been shown to benefit people with long term health conditions. Course participants will have access to other services and will have the option of further training to become volunteer course tutors. Participants will learn ideas and techniques about relaxation, healthy eating, exercise, and dealing with anger, fear, frustration, isolation, fatigue, depression and coping skills. In addition, participants will:
receive useful information and facts;
be able to discuss issues with others in a relaxed and confidential setting;
discuss common problems;
learn how to think more positively;
learn self-help management techniques; and
develop communication skills and confidence.
People who have learned to live with and manage a chronic illness usually have a good understanding of what makes their condition better or worse. Taking part in an Expert Patients Programme means they can share those experiences with others who have a similar illness as well as picking up ideas for improving their wellbeing. The Expert Patients Programme has been a life-changing experience for some participants.